First Look: Panbury’s Double Crust Pies

209 Edgewood Ave. S.E., Atlanta. 404-500-1279, panburys.com.

In the spring, Adam Panayiotou and Lauren Duxbury opened Panbury’s Double Crust Pies in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Inspired by the offerings at pie shops in South Africa, where Duxbury grew up, the menu features an array of savory pies, plus small bites, sides and a few seasonal fruit pies.

The look: Joining a new wave of Curb Market stalls, Panbury's sports a colorful, contemporary build-out around its kitchen and order station. Lighted glass cases display the hot pies, making it easy to pick and choose. A small counter offers a window view into the kitchen, where you can see the pies being prepared. Or grab a seat at a nearby cafe table and watch the passing Market parade.

The scene: At lunch one recent weekday, Duxbury served as Panbury's ambassador and order taker, cheerfully explaining the menu and instructing newbies on the proper way to eat a double crust pie. Here's the drill: "Use your hands; pick up your pie; peel back the foil; stuff it in your mouth."

The food: The hefty pies ($6-$7) range from British classics, such Steak and Stout with onions, mushrooms and Guinness sauce, to specialty creations, such as spicy Cajun Chicken Gumbo with Andouille sausage, and Roasted Mediterranean Veg with eggplant and zucchini. Look for a daily assortment of mini pies ($2.50), and chicken or pork sausage rolls ($2.95). Sides include mashed potatoes and beef gravy ($2), and kale salad with cranberries, almonds and Parmesan cheese ($3.50).

The drinks: On the beverage menu, find Coke products ($1.25), Sweet Leaf bottled tea ($3), Virgil's root beer and cream soda ($2.50), and assorted Taylor's of Harrogate hot teas ($2.75).

The extras: The current selection of fresh seasonal fruit pies ($3) includes Classic Apple, Tarty Blueberry and Georgia Peach. The hearty Southern Breakfast Pie ($6) is stuffed with sausage and egg.